As both a wine writer and wine lover, I attend a variety of events and get to try a number of wines from all over the world as well as some pretty amazing food.
Here I review (in both words and pictures) the wine/food related events I attend and the things that thrilled me about them.
More can be found at www.michaelpinkuswinereview.com

Friday, September 11, 2015

Report from ... Washington State Wines Dinner - August 11, 2015

Tonight we learned some interesting facts about Washington state:

The grape make up of Washington is 20% each Riesling, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Syrah is the grape that is making the most in-roads in the state, and is the grape that many would consider the signature of Washington state at this time.

One of the most interesting facts about Washington is that their sandy soils help to combat phylloxera.

As far as their winery stats, they have at present approximately 870 wineries and they are growing at about four wineries per month ... where it levels out, nobody knows.

The Night in Pictures ...

Looking over the menu, while sipping on sparkling ...

this one in fact, from Chateau Ste Michelle (Brut)

The best wine of the night was this Columbia Crest 2012 Merlot,which continued to get better the longer it sat in the glass.

One of the most popular Rieslings in the USA is part of theCharles Smith portfolio - and the label is a big selling point

Tonight's line-up of reds ...

Proving that Cabernet Sauvignon does well in Washington State,this Milbrandt Vineyards version really was something delicious

So is this Airfield Estates Runway from Yakima Valley

This Nine Hats 2012 Red Blend was my second favouritewine of the night (see review below)

Dessert was this Late Harvest Riesling from Washington Hills:sweet, delicate and delicious